The five phases is a 2000 year old Chinese theory which is used to align human behaviour with natural cycles of change. Learn about its history as well as new perspectives which reflect contemporary ideas and issues.
new perspectives on the five phases
HEAVEN IS ROUND
new perspectives on the five phases
The five phases is a 2000 year old Chinese theory that is used to align human behaviour with natural cycles of change. Learn about its history as well as new perspectives which reflect contemporary ideas and issues.
In tandem with the above, I have worked as a team leader at an international college for ecological studies, and as a manager and fundraiser in the voluntary & community (nonprofit) sector. I’ve worked with a wide range of client groups from refugee families to school refusers.
Following an early career in contemporary dance, I trained as a Core Process psychotherapist and Shiatsu practitioner in the ‘90s, and studied moving meditation and percussion with teachers from Korea, Japan, and Indonesia. In 2005 I set up a community project to make taiko (Japanese drums) and I had the opportunity to study with a Japanese master craftsman. Since then, I’ve taught taiko in schools and other settings. I ran a successful performing group for over fifteen years.
I have recently set up a project to provide support sessions for people involved in community work. To access this service go to: stresslines.org.uk
HEAVEN IS ROUND
Following an early career in contemporary dance, I trained as a Core Process psychotherapist and Shiatsu practitioner in the ‘90s, and studied moving meditation and percussion with teachers from Korea, Japan, and Indonesia. In 2005, I set up a community project to make taiko (Japanese drums) with vulnerable young people. This led to the opportunity to study with a Japanese master taiko-maker. Since then, I’ve taught taiko in schools and other settings. I ran a successful performing group for over fifteen years.
In tandem with the above, I have worked as a team leader at an international college for ecological studies, and as a manager and fundraiser in the voluntary & community (nonprofit) sector. I’ve worked with a wide range of client groups from refugee families to school refusers.
I have recently set up a project to provide support sessions for people involved in community work. To access this service go to: stresslines.org.uk
new perspectives on the five phases
The Foundation series addresses a handful of basic questions:•Why five? What’s special about five?•Why those five? Why fire, water, wood, metal and earth?•Isn’t this called the Five Elements?•How does it compare to the Greek four elements?•Is there a connection to yin and yang?It’s amazing how much content can be generated from a few questions! Access this series using the buttons on the right.
98% of the content is written in English, but of course there are some Chinese words. This 10 min audio guide explains the tones of Mandarin Chinese, so your ears are ready for the range of sounds.
HEAVEN IS ROUND
Foundation Series
The Foundation series addresses a handful of basic questions:•Why five? What’s special about five?•Why those five? Why fire, water, wood, metal and earth?•Isn’t this called the Five Elements?•How does it compare to the Greek four elements?•Is there a connection to yin and yang?It’s amazing how much content can be generated from a few questions!
access Foundation issues
new perspectives on the five phases
98% of that content is written in English, but of course there are some Chinese words. A 10 min audio guide explains the tones of Mandarin Chinese, so your ears are ready for the range of sounds.
Audio Guide
Riding the Waves of Change begins by surfing through the historical setting. Then I introduce the backstory of Heaven is Round and the Foundation series.Before turning to the new perspectives, I explain which aspects of the traditional theory I keep and which not.Lastly, there’s an overview of future series which range from human evolution to contemporary organisational practices.
F1 - Foundation Issue One
Riding the Waves of Change
Artwork by Thyme Leng
new perspectives on the five phases
ACCESS
HEAVEN IS ROUND
Riding the Waves of Change
F1 - Foundation Issue One
Riding the Waves of Change begins by surfing through the historical setting. Then I introduce the backstory of Heaven is Round and the whole Foundation series.Before turning to the new perspectives, I explain which aspects of the traditional theory I keep and which not. Lastly, there’s an overview of future series which range from human evolution to contemporary organisational practices.
Artwork by Thyme Leng
access other issues
access this issue
new perspectives on the five phases
This theory has been translated as the five phases, elements, processes, agents, forces and more… Its Chinese name is wuxing. Wu 五 means five. Nice and simple, no problems there, but what about xing 行?Typical of Chinese characters, this ancient yet common word means different things depending on the context. To explores its range of meanings we’ll go on a journey that begins with the origins of Chinese writing over 3000 years ago.At the end of this issue there is a simple guide to how Chinese characters developed.
This theory has been translated as the five phases, elements, processes, agents, forces and more…Its Chinese name is wuxing. Wu五 means five. Nice and simple, no problems there, but what about xing行?Typical of Chinese characters, this ancient yet common word means different things depending on the context. To explores its range of meanings we’ll go on a journey that begins with the origins of Chinese writing over 3000 years ago.
The best-known translation of wuxing is the five elements. It’s used by Westerners doing Tai Chi classes as well as most Chinese people.Chosen by Jesuits priests over four hundred years ago, the translation was based on their knowledge of the Greek four elements: earth, air, fire and water. We’ll explore the missionary agenda of Matteo Ricci (1551 - 1610) who was convinced that God had been worshipped in ancient China.
The best-known translation of wuxing is the five elements. It’s used by Westerners doing Tai Chi classes as well as most Chinese people.Chosen by Jesuits priests over four centuries ago, this translation was based on their knowledge of the Greek four elements: earth, air, fire and water. We’ll explore the missionary agenda of Matteo Ricci (1551 - 1610) who was convinced that God had been worshipped in ancient China.